Tallahassee, Florida (May 23, 2022) – Leaders of 33 sheriff’s offices in Florida graduated this week from the Florida Sheriffs Association’s prestigious Commanders Academy. The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for next generation public safety leaders. The academy has become recognized as the premier executive education course for mid- to senior-level criminal justice leaders.
The core curriculum focuses on leadership, ethics, discipline, and other areas related to high-level leadership in law enforcement. The remaining program is adjusted based on emerging trends and issues that impact our sheriffs and recent high-profile events. Each topic relates to issues unique to the culture of the sheriff’s office. Throughout the academy, the class learns from more than 50 presenters and panelists, many of whom are current sheriffs. No other criminal justice program in the state offers this level of executive training.
Steve Casey, Executive Director of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said, “Florida’s sheriff’s offices are consistently seen as the model of protection, direction and unity. Thanks to the continuous training and the innovative program taught by the Commanders Academy, we can maintain this level of excellence. We take pride in knowing that our sheriffs and their commanders, deputies and staff set the bar at the highest level.
In addition to successfully completing this two-week training course, Commanders Academy Class 11 also raised $26,000 for Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. This generous gift will help support Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches’ mission to prevent delinquency and develop lawful, resilient, and productive citizens.
“Lt. Rocco Casano is already an admirable leader, offering guidance and grace when needed. I am extremely proud that he completed Commanders Academy and gave back to the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch in the process,” says Sheriff Bill Prummell.
Graduates include:
- Director John Blanchard, Baker County
- Sergeant Steven Cook, Bay County
- Captain Josh Luke, Bradford County
- Lt. Rocco Casano, Charlotte County
- Deputy Chief Domenic Paniccia, Clay County
- Lt. Ronnie Daniels, Columbia County
- Lt. Jenny Cross, DeSoto County
- Commander Kenny Goncalves, Flagler County
- Lt. Kathy Palmer, Franklin County
- Lieutenant Keagon Weatherford, Gilchrist County
- Colonel James Roberts, Hardee County
- Lt. Scott Lamia, Hernando County
- Sergeant Barry Lee, Holmes County
- Captain Wesley Burch, Jackson County
- Chief Brian Kee, Jacksonville
- Captain Timothy Lalor, Lee County
- Chief Norman Mack, Leon County
- Lt. Jimmy Anderson, Levy County
- Major Yvonne Miller, Manatee County
- Captain Fredinal Chisholm, County Marion
- Deputy Chief John Budensiek, Martin County
- Lieutenant Charlie Johnson, Miami-Dade
- Major Shannon Tait, Okaloosa County
- Captain Scott Deloney, Okeechobee County
- Lt. Steven Moser, Osceola County
- Lieutenant José Camacho, County of Pinellas
- Deputy Director Richard Schreck, Polk County
- Captain Ryan Dunn, Putnam County
- Captain Bryan Ivings, Sarasota County
- Lt. Tekitta Williams, Seminole County
- Captain Ryan Smith, St Johns County
- Captain Troy Norman, County of St Lucie
- Lieutenant Steven “Taylor” Park, Walton County
For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy, visit: http://www.flsheriffs.org/training/commanders-academy/
